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Buying Guide and Glossary

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Alaskan Sole



Other Names: Flathead, Dover, Rex, Rock, Yellow-fin, Alaska Plaice, Arrowtooth Flounder

Range & Habitat: The icy, clear waters of Alaska are home to some of the most treasured species of sole. Alaska Sole is harvested in Southeast Alaska, the Bering Sea, and the Gulf of Alaska and is available fresh and frozen year-round.

Identification & Biology: Commonly referred to as flatfish because of their distinctive shape, Alaska Sole are an asymmetrical fish with both eyes on one side of their head.

Market Description: Synonymous with fish of great freshness and quality, the term "sole" is sometimes used interchangeably with "flounder". Alaska Sole are highly valued and can be found on a wide range of foodservice menus - from employee cafeterias to white tablecloth establishments.

Species

Looks Like

Sold as

Flesh

Texture

Flavor

DOVER SOLE

elongated

Fillets, 3-5 oz.

Light, cream-colored

Moist, flaky

Mild, delicate

REX SOLE

Long, slender like Atlantic “Gray Sole”

Slender fillets,

3-8 oz.

Snow white

Delicate, fine

Highly valued, sweet

ROCK SOLE

Meaty, resembling traditional "Flounder"

Fillets, 2-7 oz

Pearly-white, opaque

Firm, succulent

Sweet, slightly rich

FLATHEAD SOLE

Thin, akin to Atlantic "Dab"

Thin fillets, 2-6 oz.

Pearly-white, translucent

Thin, dry delicate flake

Neutral, mild

YELLOW-FIN SOLE

Thin

Smallest in size, 1-3 oz.

Cream-colored

Soft, fine flake

Mild, quite sweet


Recommended Preparation: Alaska Sole is a lean, tender fish with a mild flavor that it widely appealing to consumers. This versatile, low-calorie flatfish is also highly adaptable to both lighter eating styles and interesting ethnic favorites. The meat is very delicate and moist, and it's best when poached or steamed. Sole should be handled gently from pan to plate, where it provides excellent plate coverage. Classical preparations once included topping Sole fillets with rich sauces. Today, take advantage of Sole’s low-calorie count and bring it to menus with mildly flavored light sauces, reductions of citrus or herbs or fragrant fruit salsas.

Available in: Summer, Fall